Carrying bag with shelf compartment

ABSTRACT

A bag having a shelf compartment is provided. The compartment can be defined into an exterior body of the bag and can include a compartment panel connected to the body along a lower compartment edge. The compartment and panel can include securing means for allowing the panel to be at least partially removed from the bag and rotated about the lower compartment edge in order to allow the compartment and panel to transition between a closed position and an open position. When in the close position, the compartment panel can be secured to the perimeter of the compartment in a generally upright position. When in the open position, compartment panel can be lowered into a generally horizontal position and function as a shelf. The compartment can include diagonally-orientation support straps for assisting in maintaining the shelf configuration of the compartment panel when in the open position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to storage and carrying bags andbackpacks, and in particular, to bags for holding sporting equipmentsuch as gloves, shoes, helmets, bats and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Backpacks, travel and carrying bags and the like are commonly used toeasily store and transport items and articles of all kinds. Such bagsand backpacks commonly have one or more compartments with re-closableopenings for providing access to the stored articles therein. Inaddition, while most bags and backpacks are designed to securely storeand hold various items, it is often desirable for certain items to beplaced on or in the bag for easy access thereto without reopening andclosing the bag's compartments.

In athletics, especially baseball and softball, backpacks are frequentlyused in place of traditional bat bags. Such athletic backpacks aredesigned to be hung on fences, walls and the like to provide easierplacement and access to the backpack. It is common that the athletesusing the backpacks need easy access to their equipment. However,currently available athletic backpacks, while providing compartments forvarious sporting equipment and items, do not allow items to be stored inor on the backpack without opening a compartment and inserting the itemtherein.

Accordingly, a need exists for a carrying bag or backpack having one ormore compartments enabling easy access to items therein and that isfurther able to hold various items for easy accessibility and displaywhen such bag or backpack is in a stationary position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed generally to a bag or backpack forcarrying various items therein. The bag can have any generallyconventional or known configuration, such as a travel bag, backpack,duffel, tote, suitcase, shoulder bag, or equipment bag configuration. Assuch, the bag can include one or more compartments defined in or on thebag and can include carrying straps and hangers attached thereto forcarrying and hanging the bag.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the bag can alsoinclude a shelf compartment. The shelf compartment can be defined intoan exterior body of the bag to create an opening providing access to aninterior region within the bag. The shelf compartment can also include acompartment panel connected to a lower portion adjacent the openingdefining the interior region. The compartment panel can operate as ashelf by extending generally horizontally away from said lower edge whenin an open position. As such, users of the bag can place items withinthe interior region of the shelf compartment and place items onto thecompartment panel or shelf for easy access and removal.

In order to enable the compartment panel to extend in a generallyhorizontal and shelf-like manner, the bag can include at least onesupport strap connected to the interior of the shelf compartment andconnected to the compartment panel, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. The support strap or straps can be configured forpreventing the compartment panel from extending beyond its desiredgenerally horizontal configuration.

The bag can also include webbing material extending between the shelfcompartment and the compartment panel in order to provide furthersupport to the compartment panel when in its horizontal shelforientation, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Thewebbing can be connected to the interior region on one side and to thecompartment panel on the other along at least part of the height of theshelf compartment. The webbing material can also be sized to so as toprevent the compartment panel from extending away from the shelfcompartment in greater than a generally horizontal manner.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments andthe accompanying drawing figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

In the accompanying drawing, which forms a part of the specification andis to be read in conjunction therewith in which like reference numeralsare used to indicate like or similar parts in the various views:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of bag having several compartmentsincluding a shelf compartment in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a backpack having a shelf compartmentand illustrating the shelf compartment in a closed position inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the backpack of FIG. 2 also illustrating theshelf compartment in a closed position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the backpack of FIG. 2 illustrating theshelf compartment in an open position with a compartment panelorientated as a generally horizontal shelf in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the backpack of FIG. 2 also illustrating theshelf compartment in an open position; and

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the backpack of FIG. 2illustrating the shelf compartment in greater detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawingfigures, in which like reference numerals refer to like partsthroughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the characteristicsof the present invention, proportional relationships of the elementshave not necessarily been maintained in the drawing figures. It will beappreciated that any dimensions included in the drawing figures aresimply provided as examples and dimensions other than those providedtherein are also within the scope of the invention.

The following detailed description of the invention references specificembodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments areintended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Otherembodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departingfrom the scope of the present invention. The present invention isdefined by the appended claims and the description is, therefore, not tobe taken in a limiting sense and shall not limit the scope ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Referring to the figures, the present invention is directed generally toa carrying bag 10 that can be configured as a backpack (as shown in thefigures), bag, travel case, suitcase, duffel, tote or similar containerscommonly used to store and carry items of various shapes and sizes. Asshown in FIG. 1, bag 10 can comprise a bag body 12 constructed from anysuitable material or materials commonly used for bags, backpacks and thelike, such as without limitation canvas, fabric and plastics. As alsoshown in FIG. 1, bag 10 can have one or more compartments 14 definedtherein or thereon. Compartments 14 can be configured as a pocket,pouch, slot, opening or voided region defined into body 12 and/orattached on to body 12 depending on the particular configuration of thespecific compartment 14. Each compartment 14 can include a cover panelof flap 16 for covering and/or enclosing access to the interior of thecompartment 14. Each compartment 14 and respective cover panel 16 can beconfigured with various securing means 18 for at least partiallysecuring the cover panel 16 to the compartment 14. The figuresillustrate securing means 18 as zipper closures or side release buckles;however securing means 18 can comprise any suitable structures orcomponents known in the art and commonly used in connection withcarrying bags, including but not limited to zipper closures, Velcro®,buckles, clasps, buttons, straps, and the like. Depending on theparticular configuration of bag 10, bag 10 can be configured with anynumber of straps or handles 20 to assist transport or carrying of bag 10as shown in FIG. 1. Bag 10 can additionally include one or more hooks orsimilar hanging means 22 as also shown in FIG. 1 to allow bag 10 to behung or suspended from a hook, fence, wall or the like.

Bag 10 can be orientated, structured and configured for severaldifferent types of use, such as without limitation travel, hiking,transport, or athletics. According to one embodiment of the presentinvention, bag 10 can be configured as an athletics or baseball bat-bagbackpack as illustrated in the figures. In such an embodiment, bag 10can include compartments 14 configured for holding gloves, helmets,shoes, cleats, bats and other sporting equipment as shown in FIG. 1. Asalso shown in FIG. 1, bag 10 can include straps or similar holders 24for holding bats, sticks and other similar sporting equipment. Bag 10can further be configured with shoulder straps 20 to assist intransporting bag 10 on a user's back or shoulders and/or a hook 22, bothshown in FIG. 1, to allow the user to hang bag 10 on a fence, wall, hookor the like.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, bag 10 can includea shelf compartment 26 that can be selectively configured between aclosed position and an open shelf position as described in greaterdetail below. FIGS. 1-3 illustrates shelf compartment 26 in a closedposition while FIGS. 4-6 illustrate shelf compartment 26 in an openposition. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, shelf compartment 26 can bedefined into bag body 12 along the main front portion of bag 10; howevershelf compartment 26 can also be defined into the sides of bag 12 incertain embodiments. Shelf compartment 26 can include or function with acompartment panel 28, which is shown in a connected upward position inFIGS. 2 and 3 and in an unconnected downward position in FIGS. 4-6.

As best shown in FIG. 4, shelf compartment 26 can be defined into bagbody 12 and compartment panel 28 can be connected to bag body 12 along alower portion or edge 30 of compartment panel 28 where shelf compartment26 terminates relative to bag body 12. Lower portion 30 can provide ahinged connection between panel 28 and compartment 26 in order to allowpanel 28 to transition between the open position where the interiorregion of compartment 26 is exposed and the closed position where panel28 can generally cover the interior region. The hinged connection may beformed merely by material the fauns the bag 10. As shown in FIG. 4,shelf compartment 26 can have a perimeter edge 32 defining an opening 34through bag body 12. Opening 34 can provide access to an interior region36 of shelf compartment 26 when compartment panel 28 is not connected tocompartment panel 26 as shown in FIGS. 4-6. As best shown in FIG. 5,shelf compartment perimeter 32 can extend upward and around opening 34from lower portion 30 where compartment panel 28 and bag body 12connect. As also shown in FIG. 5, lower edge or portion 30 can bepositioned next to or roughly adjacent to the bottom of bag 10.

Compartment panel 26 can similarly include a free perimeter edge 38extending upward from lower portion 30 where panel 26 and body 12connect as best shown in FIG. 4. Free panel perimeter edge 38 cangenerally conform to compartment perimeter edge 32 depending on theparticular embodiment of the present invention. According to theembodiment shown in the figures, compartment panel 28 can be formed bycutting panel 28 at least partially out from bag body 12 so that panelperimeter edge 38 corresponds to compartment perimeter edge 32. However,in alternative embodiments, compartment panel 28 can be larger or smalland/or differently shaped than compartment perimeter edge 32.

As shown in the figures, compartment 26 and panel 28 can also includesecuring means 40 for removably securing panel 28 to compartment 26.Securing means 40 can be configured as any suitable means, including butnot limited to, zipper closures, hook and loop fasteners, Velcro®,buckles, clips, clasps, buttons, straps, and the like. According to oneembodiment, securing means 40 comprises a zipper component connected todefined perimeters 32 and 36 of compartment 26 and panel 28,respectively. In an alternative embodiment, securing means 40 cancomprise one or more corresponding straps connected to compartment 26and panel 28, each having a removably connectable buckle for selectivelymaintaining panel 28 against opening 34. Other configurations ofsecuring means 40 are considered within the scope of the presentinvention.

Turning to FIG. 6, compartment 26 can include an interior sidewall 42defining interior region 36 of shelf compartment 26. Interior sidewall42 can have pockets, pouches 44 and the like defined therein or thereonfor holding various items. Interior sidewall 42 can also include supportstructures or inserts (not shown) that can provide structure andrigidity to compartment 26 as well as bag 10. Bag body 12 can alsoinclude support structures or inserts (not shown), such as above orbelow shelf compartment 26 to assist in allowing compartment 26 tomaintain a desired shape and configuration.

As also best shown in FIG. 6, compartment 26 can include a support strap46 extending between interior sidewall 42 and an interior sidewall 48 ofcompartment panel 28 on each lateral side of compartment 26. As shown,each strap 46 can be secured to interior sidewall 42 of compartment 26(by sewing or other means) near an upper portion of defined compartmentperimeter 32, and can be further secured to interior sidewall 48 ofpanel 28 (by sewing or other means) near a lower or central portion offree panel perimeter edge 38. Support straps 46 can assist in holdingcompartment panel 28 in a generally horizontal position relative tocompartment opening 34 so that panel 28 can function as a shelf orsimilar support structure when compartment 26 and panel 28 are in theopen position. In the open position, support straps 46 can have agenerally diagonal configuration relative to compartment 26 and panel28, as shown in FIGS. 4-6, as a result of its connection locations tointerior sidewalls 42 and 48 of compartment 26 and panel 28,respectively. Support straps 46 can additionally include adjustmentcomponents 50, as best shown in FIG. 6, to adjust the length of straps46 so that the orientation or angle of cover panel 28 (or shelf)relative to compartment 26 and opening 34 can be selected by a user.

To assist straps 46 in supporting panel 28 in the open position, agusset or flexible webbing 52 can be connected to compartment 26 andpanel 28 near defined perimeters 32 and 36, respectively. As best shownin FIGS. 5 and 6, webbing 52 can be located near the lower regions ofcompartment 26 and panel 28 and extend partially upward along definedperimeters 32 and 38. Webbing 52 can be connected to interior sidewalls42 and 48 near defined perimeter edges 32 and 38 so as to not obstructsecuring means 40 when closing compartment 26. Webbing 52 can alsoassist in creating a retaining space within the lower portion ofinterior 36 of compartment 26 as shown in FIG. 6.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate bag 10 with shelf compartment 26 in a closedposition according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown,compartment panel 28 is in a general vertical or upward positionrelative to compartment 26 and defined free perimeter edge 38 of panel28 is secured adjacent to defined perimeter 32 of compartment 26 viasecuring means 40. Compartment 26 and panel 28 can then be transitionedinto the open position by releasing securing means 40 and allowingcompartment panel 28 rotate about lower edge 30 until it is in agenerally horizontal or flat shelf position as shown in FIGS. 4-6. Inthis open position, support straps 46 (along with webbing 52) assist inmaintaining the generally horizontal position of panel 28 so that panel28 can operate as a shelf for holding various items. Such aconfiguration can be particularly advantageous when bag 10 is supportedin a hanging position by hook or similar hanging means 22 in order toallow easy placement and removal of items on shelf panel 28 and withinthe interior of compartment 26.

Shelf compartment 26 and panel 28 can also be selectively positionedinto various configurations according to certain embodiments of thepresent invention. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, compartment 26 can bedefined into bag body 12 so that lower portion or edge 30 where panel 28and body 12 connect is roughly adjacent to the bottom of bag 10. As aresult, securing means 40 can be configured for allowing compartmentpanel 28 to be fully extended in a generally horizontal positionaccording to one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively,securing means 40, such as in the zipper enclosures shown in FIGS. 2 and6, can be selectively configurable to keep the lower perimeter edges 32and 38 connected together to essentially change the height of lowerportion 30. In this configuration, a retaining space within interiorregion 36 can be created. The depth of the retaining space can beselectively changed by adjusting the height of connection betweenperimeter edges 32 and 38 via securing means 40. The support straps 46can be selectively adjusted in length in order to ensure that at least aportion of compartment panel 28 continues to remain in a generallyhorizontal shelf-position in this configuration. As shown in FIGS. 3 and5, support straps 46 can also be adjusted to allow compartment panel 28to have a folded or generally inverted shape that creates the retainingspace within interior region 36 while still maintaining the horizontalshelf-position of part of pane 28.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one welladapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forthtogether with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherentto the structure. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference toother features and sub combinations. This is contemplated by and iswithin the scope of the claims Since many possible embodiments of theinvention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it isalso to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in theaccompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and notlimiting.

The constructions described above and illustrated in the drawings arepresented by way of example only and are not intended to limit theconcepts and principles of the present invention. Thus, there has beenshown and described several embodiments of a novel invention. As isevident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the presentinvention are not limited by the particular details of the examplesillustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that othermodifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur tothose skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including” and similarterms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of“optional” or “may include” and not as “required”. Many changes,modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the presentconstruction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the artafter considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. Allsuch changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applicationswhich do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention aredeemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by theclaims which follow.

1. A carrying bag for holding athletic equipment, said bag comprising: abag body having one or more compartments defined therein; at least oneholder extending from at least one side of the bag body, each of said atleast one holder shaped and positioned to selectively retain a ball bat;and a shelf compartment defined into said bag body, wherein said shelfcompartment is larger than any other of said one or more compartments,said shelf compartment comprising: a perimeter edge defining an openinginto an interior of said bag body, said interior defined by an interiorsidewall of said shelf compartment; a compartment panel having a freeperimeter edge, said compartment panel connected to said bag body abouta lower panel region, said lower panel region defining a lower end ofsaid opening; securing means connected to said shelf compartment andsaid compartment panel for removably securing said compartment paneladjacent to said perimeter edge of said shelf compartment; at least onesupport strap having a first end and a second end, said support strapconnected to and extending between said shelf compartment perimeter edgeand said compartment panel; wherein said compartment panel is configuredfor being selectively positioned in both a closed position and an openposition, wherein said compartment panel is positioned adjacent saidshelf compartment perimeter edge when said compartment panel is in saidclosed position, and wherein said compartment panel is positioned in agenerally horizontal orientation relative to said opening when saidcompartment panel is in said open position, such that said at least onesupport strap retains the compartment panel in the generally horizontalorientation relative to the opening.
 2. The bag of claim 1, wherein saidfirst end of said at least one support strap is secured to said interiorsidewall of said shelf compartment and wherein said second end of saidat least one support strap is secured to an interior sidewall of saidcompartment panel.
 3. The bag of claim 1, wherein said at least onesupport strap is configured so as to extend diagonally from said shelfcompartment perimeter edge to said compartment panel when saidcompartment panel is in said open position.
 4. The bag of claim 3,wherein said at least one support strap is selectively adjustable inlength.
 5. The bag of claim 1, wherein said at least one support strapis configured for supporting said compartment panel in a generallyhorizontal position when said shelf compartment is in said openposition.
 6. The bag of claim 1, wherein said bag further comprises awebbing material extending between said shelf compartment perimeter edgeand said compartment panel free perimeter edge along at least a portionof a height of said shelf compartment.
 7. The bag of claim 6, whereinsaid webbing material is configured so as to support said compartmentpanel in a generally horizontal position when said shelf compartment isin said open position.
 8. The bag of claim 1, wherein bag furthercomprises at least one carrying strap attached to said bag body.
 9. Thebag of claim 1, wherein said bag further comprises at least one hangingmeans attached to said bag body.
 10. The bag of claim 9, wherein saidhanging means comprises a hook.
 11. The bag of claim 1, wherein said bagbody includes one or more support inserts.
 12. The bag of claim 1,wherein said bag is configured as a backpack.
 13. A backpack configuredfor holding athletic equipment, said backpack comprising: a backpackbody defining an exterior of said backpack and including a front wall;at least one holder extending from at least one side of the backpackbody, each of said at least one holder shaped and positioned toselectively retain a ball bat; at least one shoulder strap connected toa rear portion of said backpack, said at least one shoulder strapconfigured for enabling a user to carry said backpack; and a shelfcompartment defined into said backpack body, said shelf compartmentcomprising: a shelf interior region located within said backpack body,said shelf interior region defined between an interior sidewall and saidfront wall of said backpack body, wherein said shelf interior region islarger than any other interior region of the backpack; an opening in thebackpack body providing access to said interior region, wherein aperimeter edge of the front wall forms a part of a perimeter of theopening; wherein said front wall further having a lower connecting edgeconnecting said front wall to said backpack body; connecting meansconfigured for selectively closing said opening; and at least onesupport strap connected to said interior sidewall of said shelfcompartment within the shelf interior region, and to said front wall;said at least one support strap configured for supporting said frontwall when said opening is opened and said front wall is substantiallyhorizontal relative to the backpack body.
 14. The backpack of claim 13,wherein said at least one support strap include a first end attached tosaid interior sidewall adjacent an upper portion thereof and a secondend attached to said front wall at an intermediate portion of said frontwall compartment panel free.
 15. The backpack of claim 14, wherein saidat least one support strap extends generally diagonally from saidinterior sidewall to said front wall when said opening is open.
 16. Thebackpack of claim 13, wherein said backpack further comprises a supportwebbing extending between said interior sidewall and said front wallalong a height of said front wall.
 17. The backpack of claim 13, whereinsaid backpack includes a hanging component connected to said backpackbody.
 18. The backpack of claim 13, wherein the front wall isselectively configurable into a generally horizontal shelf extendingaway from said backpack body below said opening.
 19. (canceled)